Ruud is worth bumping up if he holds off rookie Bobby Wagner for the middle linebacker job, but until he conclusively earns a starting role in Seattle, his IDP value is muted. He struggled in Tennessee last year and eventually was replaced by Colin McCarthy, a fourth-round pick and an inferior prospect to Wagner, whom the Seahawks selected 47th overall this year. It’s also worth noting that Ruud dealt with groin, shoulder and knee issues this offseason, which could hurt his ability to compete in training camp.

2011

Ruud will start at middle linebacker for the Titans after signing a one-year deal. Ruud is generally a thumper rather than a sideline-to-sideline player, but he’s still athletic enough to play three downs. And with 511 tackles the last four years, he figures to flourish in 2011 with Tennessee.

2010

Since winning a starting job three years ago,
Ruud’s high tackle totals have made the Tampa
inside ‘backer one of the NFL’s top IDP contributors.
He set a career high in stops last season
with 142, including a 17-tackle (13 solo) tour de
force against Atlanta in the season finale. He
didn’t record a sack after posting three in 2008,
but he’s had at least one interception in each of
the last three years. If you place any stock in
contract drives, Ruud’s value gets a boost this
year; unless an extension is worked out, he’s on
track to be an unrestricted free agent after this
season.

2009

Installed as a starter for the 2007 season, Ruud put up outstanding numbers – 114 tackles and two interceptions – making him a popular IDP pick for 2008. He was even better last season, setting career highs in tackles (137) and sacks (3) and picking off two more passes. Ruud could be a top-10 IDP performer this season, though he doesn’t get as much attention as other linebackers – he was snubbed for the Pro Bowl last year despite finishing fourth in the league in tackles. Be aware of his contract status, though. He’s reportedly looking for a new deal and skipped several team events in May.

2008

In his first year as a starter, Ruud burst onto
the IDP scene with 114 tackles and two interceptions in 2007 as Tampa Bay's middle linebacker. He's only 25 and offers tremendous upside. Ruud could have been more consistent last season – he mixed seven double-digit tackle performances with five games of five or fewer stops – but such is often the case with young players, especially first-time starters. And Ruud was bothered by a lingering minor knee injury, which also might have been a factor. Look for more improvement from Ruud in 2008; he could easily exceed 120 tackles.

2007

Promoted to starting middle linebacker this season. 57 tackles in 16 games as a part-timer backing up Shelton Quarles in 2006.

2006

The Bucs' 2005 second-round pick looked great in limited action; one of these days, he'll unseat Shelton Quarles as the middle linebacker and the Bucs won't miss a beat. As it is, he may the league's best fourth linebacker in 2006. 15 tackles, no sacks in 2005.

2005

Ruud, a second round draft choice from Nebraska, looked great in the early stages of the Bucs' training camp. Don't be shocked if he's a starter before the end of the year.